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Tanner In The Morning

Is The Charlotte Food And Beverage Industry Softening?

Author Jim Slade

Is the Charlotte food and beverage industry softening?  I stumbled onto an interesting discussion about this very topic over the weekend and wanted to share some of the more pertinent comments.

The food and beverage industry definitely experienced a post-pandemic boom.  Restrictions were lifted, and people were ready to party.  But they were also greeted by supply issues and higher prices.  Now that things are settling down, is the industry softening?

“People went ham, but it seems like prices never decreased after the supply issues we had in 20/21 stopped being a problem,” said Reddit user u/StuBeck.  “I’d rather cook at home than get bad service at a restaurant and expect to pay $20 for a hamburger.”

One commenter said the higher prices can be traced back to labor costs.  “It’s payroll,” said Reddit user u/RamekinOfRanch.  “The two biggest factors for restaurants are (cost of goods) and Labor. We used to pay $13-15 at the start of the pandemic for cooks now base pay is 18+. Can’t cut prices if I want to keep my decent cooks.”

Practical budgeting is a driving force for some households.  Even with a reasonable level of disposable income, inflation is putting the pinch on eating out.

“We’ve looked at our budget recently and have come to the conclusion that we simply can’t justify going out for food or drinks much more than once a week,” commented Reddit user u/CharlotteRant.  “It doesn’t seem to even matter where we go. Leaving the house costs $50 minimum. Honestly, being more realistic, probably $100-150 for a few drinks and a meal. Hell a food truck sets you back $40 without even trying.”

Another Redditor blamed the tipping culture.

“While I don’t mind tipping, I cannot afford to pay a 20%+ social tax everywhere I go to spend money,” said u/cdgsyn1.  “It seems like every business expects tips now, and these tipping standards seem to get higher by the day.

Read the whole discussion on Reddit.

The Best Seafood In North Carolina According To One List, Isn't On The Coast

When you think of top-tier fresh seafood, you usually think of the beach or at least somewhere near the coast. Especially in North Carolina the Calabash area is considered the pinnacle of seafood. So when I came across this list of the best seafood in every state, well I figured it would be in Calabash. If not there then somewhere else on the coast. Perhaps Wilmington or the Outer Banks? But nope. Not this list. It was created by a website called 24/7 Wall Street. They created a list of the best seafood in every state including North Carolina. So how exactly did they do this?

According to the article, they ” consulted lists, ratings, and reviews from websites including Guide Michelin, Eat This Not That, Food Network, Gayot, Eater, and Time Out, as well as numerous local and regional sites.” What was considered a “seafood restaurant”? Well, sushi and “informal seafood shacks” were omitted from the list. The establishments included can be anything from fancy white tablecloth restaurants to casual restaurants. Some offer fried fish or shrimp, others have a range of flavors including Mexican, Portuguese, Chinese, or New American. They also mention that regional trends are represented- think Cajun crawfish, Maryland crabs, New England chowder, and Maine lobster.

Hungry yet? So if such emphasis is put on regional fresh seafood, and the best seafood in North Carolina isn’t in Calabash or the coast at all, where is it? Keep reading to see the best seafood in NC as well as some of our neighbors. You can read the full 24/7 Wall Street list here. Do you disagree? Let me know! I’d love to know what your favorite is. Just don’t shoot the messenger if you don’t agree.

 

  • North Carolina - Captain Tom’s Seafood Grill & Bar (Kernersville)

    Address: 1265 Highway 66 South Kernersville, NC 27284 

    According to their website Captain Tom’s has been a staple of the Kernersville and Triad community since 1972. They serve the “freshest seafood” in a “style all their own”. They pride themselves on reasonable prices. The menu includes starters like shrimp cocktail, raw and fried oysters, and a crab and spinach dip. For entrees try the platter or create a plate of your favorite fried fish, shrimp, or crab. They also offer broiled seafood, or dishes like shrimp and grits, stuffed flounder, or grilled Mahi Mahi. But don’t worry, there are plenty of options for land lovers as well!

    Menu 

  • South Carolina- 167 Raw (Charleston)

    Address: 193 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

    South Carolina does take it the coast and the foodie paradise of Charleston. 167 Raw actually has an oyster bar, sushi bar, and bistro. It’s more of a high end, fancier restaurant that our previous restaurant. You’ll find thinks like a swordfish sandwich, seared yellowfin tuna, and scallops on the menu.

    Menu 

  • Georgia- Steamhouse Lounge (Atlanta)

    Address: 1051 West Peachtree St. in Midtown

    The Steamhouse Lounge has a long history in the Atlanta area. It was originally located in Buckhead for 20 years, but is now found in Midtown. What should you expect from a visit? According to their website ” award-winning lobster bisque, the freshest seafood, ice cold bottle beer and our signature Goombay Smash.” The menu features a raw bar with mussels, clams, oysters, and shrimp. Or perhaps you prefer a basket of your favorite fried seafood, soups, lobster rolls, or a snow crab dinner. But that’s not even the half of it!

    Menu

  • Florida- Joe’s Stone Crab (Miami)

    Address: 11 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139

    The history of Joe’s Stone Crab dates all the way back to a counter in 1913. Over its 100+ year history, it has had numerous famous visitors and is still owned by the same family. The menu has grown and now features dishes like crab legs, a seafood trio, conch fritters, and seafood paella. There is also fish and chips, a lobster roll, and New England Seafood Fry.

    Menu

  • Virginia- Merroir (Topping)

    Address: 784 Locklies Creek Road Topping VA 23169

    It doesn’t get any fresher than Merrior on the banks of the Rappahannock River, where the restaurant’s namesake Oysters are farmed. According to their website, Merroir “is “a “tasting room,” just so people know to expect something different. Everything is either served raw or cooked on an outdoor grill, small-plate-style, and beautifully paired with craft brews and world-famous wines.”

    Menu 

 

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